Women Walking in Grace

Lesson 7

The Unity of Grace: All in the Family

Day One:A Reason for Unity

1.Harmony within the family was encouraged long before the church was established. What does David write in Psalm 133:1? Make this one of your Scripture verses to memorize and meditate on this week.

2.In Ecclesiastes 4:9–12, Solomon describes the value of being united with others. What are some of the benefits he lists?

3.In John 13:35, Jesus tells His disciples the key ingredient for unity. What is it, and what is its result?

Challenge: List one or more Old Testament families that suffered because of lack of unity and love. Can you find theScripture references?

Day Two: A Reputation for Unity

The first church, or body of believers, met in Jerusalem. Read Acts 2:41–47 to see how they functioned, and then answer the following questions.

  1. How did the believers in Jerusalem treat one another?
  1. What kind of harvest did the Jerusalem church have as a result of its unity?
  1. Which of the Jerusalem church’s activities do you see replicated in your church?
  1. How can you promote unity within your circle of Christian friends?

Day Three:The Results of Unity

In each of the following Scripture passages, what were some positive results of the believers’ unity?

  1. Mark 2:3–5, 10–12
  1. John 17:20–21
  1. Acts 2:47
  1. Acts 12:5–7, 16
  1. 2 Timothy 2:24–26

Challenge: Can you find another Scripture passage that shows the positive results of the unity of believers?

Day Four: The Requirements for Unity

Read each Scripture reference, and summarize the actions or activities that it says will promote unity in the family of God.

  1. Ephesians 4:25
  1. Ephesians 4:29
  1. Ephesians 4:32
  1. Hebrews 10:24
  1. Hebrews 10:25
  1. Hebrews 12:15
  1. Hebrews 13:1
  1. Hebrews 13:16
  1. Hebrews 13:17

Day Five:The Riches of Unity

According to the following Scripture references, what riches or benefits are ours when there is unity in the body of Christ, the church?

  1. 1 Corinthians 12:12–14, 18
  1. Philippians 1:6
  1. 1 Peter 3:8–9
  1. 1 Peter 5:5–6

Challenge: Describe a time when you felt unity with fellow believers you had just met, even if their language, culture, or style of worship was different from yours.

Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.

Blest Be the Tie That Binds–—John Fawcett, 1740–1817

Carolyn BerryFall 2005